Recreation Links

Waurika Lake Recreation

Fishing and Hunting

Approximately 6,040 acres of project lands are licensed to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) for wildlife management purposes. These lands are managed for upland game, white-tailed deer and waterfowl and are open to the public as a public hunting area. Species most sought by hunters include white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, wood ducks, mallards, pintail, teal, canvas back, cottontail rabbits and wild turkey. Public hunting maps showing project lands open for public hunting are available from the Waurika Project Office, the Tulsa District Office or from this website by clicking on the Hunting Information link on this page. There are currently two non-ambulatory hunting areas located on Waurika Lake. One is located within the ODWC wildlife management area, and a similar area is located one mile south of Wichita Ridge Park down "Old Temple Road." This area is maintained by the Corps of Engineers and is utilized for special non-ambulatory hunts held in the fall.

The Waurika Lake Marina has indoor and outdoor fishing areas. The indoor fishing area is heated and accessible by wheelchair for non-ambulatory persons. The outdoor fishing area is equipped with handrails, but is not accessible by wheelchair. Both fishing areas have benches and fish cleaning stations. These areas can be used only when the marina is in operation from early February through late November. The store is open from 7:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., but fishing is allowed 24 hours indoors and outdoors.

Non-ambulatory accessible fishing docks are available at Wichita Ridge Park and Chisholm Trail Park. Non-ambulatory accessible boat loading docks are available at Wichita Ridge Park, Chisholm Trail Park, Beaver Creek Park, Kiowa I North Park, and Kiowa II Park. All walkways and docks have handrails. The area below the dam has handrails but is not accessible by non-ambulatory persons.

Camping and Picnicking

The scenic irregular shoreline and gently sloping land to the water's edge is an open invitation for outdoors family fun and relaxation. There are six recreation areas located around the lake that include such facilities as boat launching ramps, campgrounds, sanitary facilities, picnic tables and shelters.

Boating

Boating and skiing enthusiasts will be pleased with the large areas of open water and the scenic shoreline. There are four large embankments and a number of smaller coves that make boating on the lake a real pleasure.

Boating on the lake is in accordance with state boating laws and Corps of Engineers regulations. Regulations governing operational requirements of boats may be obtained from the Waurika Project Office or from the Tulsa District Office. Remember to operate your boat in a safe and controlled manner at all times.

Sightseeing

Visitors to Waurika Lake will find the dam structure an impressive site. A road runs across the top of the dam and access roads are located at each end. The lake is set in rolling prairies interspersed with croplands and timbered areas. Protection and blending with the natural environment was a primary concern in the design and construction of Waurika Lake. Trees, shrubs, and other desirable vegetation were left in their natural state in order to maintain the environment whenever possible.

The Overlook and Wichita Ridge Pavilion are accessible to non-ambulatory persons and excellent places to view the scenery. The Kiowa II and Chisholm Trail day use areas, as well as several miles of paved roads and many primitive access points around the lake provide scenic areas and wildlife viewing from an automobile.

Swimming

The lake offers many swimming opportunities for our visitors. We have swim beaches located at the Kiowa Park I and Chisholm Trail camping areas that are open to campers and day users. Both of these areas have shower facilities. Boats are prohibited in these areas for the protection of the swimmers.

Trails

Walker Creek Trail - This 13-mile trail can be used for hiking and equestrian activities. The trailhead is located 5 1/2 miles north of the dam on Walker Creek. The trail winds along the creek over gently rolling hills and through wooded areas which abound with wildlife. Spring and summer offer excellent opportunities to view native wildflowers. The trail is marked with fluorescent orange posts and mileage is indicated by metal mile marker posts. Water is available for horses at many points along the trail. Water for human consumption must be carried in. The trail is closed to hiking and riding during deer gun season.

Beaver Creek Trails - We also have a series of interlocking dirt hiking trails that are accessible by non-ambulatory persons, weather permitting. These trails can be entered from the Project Office as well as from Moneka North and South.